These Healthy Dinner Recipes Are Quick and Easy — and All Made in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is good for so much more than crispy bacon and french fries. These healthy dinner recipes are packed with veggies and light on breading — and if that weren't enough to earn a spot on your plate, there's the obvious benefit of air-fryer meals, which contain less oil and fewer calories than traditionally deep-fried foods. While you'll find a few basics like chicken tenders and zucchini fries in this roundup, we've also thrown in a few unexpected recipes like salmon cakes and chicken taquitos. You might as well keep that air fryer out on the counter so you can use it again tomorrow night, too.
Buffalo Cauliflower
This recipe for buffalo wings replaces chicken with cauliflower for less fat and fewer calories. If you want to make it entirely plant-based, simply swap in vegan butter.
Get the recipe: buffalo cauliflower
Salmon and Asparagus
If you've never quite been able to master perfectly cooked salmon, the air fryer is your secret weapon. The fish comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time.
Get the recipe: salmon and asparagus
Chicken Taquitos
The recipe suggests filling these rolled tortillas with a slow-cooker salsa chicken, but you could try any protein you like (ground turkey, maybe?). Top it all off with some fresh salsa and avocado or Greek yogurt.
Get the recipe: chicken taquitos
Salmon Cakes
If you're always catering to dietary restrictions, you'll love that these coconut-crusted salmon cakes are Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free, and low-carb. Serve them with wilted spinach, brown rice, or fried plantains.
Get the recipe: salmon cakes
Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
If you're on the hunt for a tasty vegan dinner, look no further. Seasoned cauliflower and chickpeas are cooked in the air fryer and then served in taco shells with avocado, cabbage, and dairy-free yogurt.
Get the recipe: cauliflower chickpea tacos
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a game-day staple that can easily be served for dinner with roasted veggies or a big, green salad. They're healthier when made in the air fryer, but just as crispy and spicy.
Get the recipe: buffalo chicken wings
Sweet Potato Tots
If you have kids to feed, reach for these air-fried tots, made with sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, and your choice of seasoning. (Don't forget a dip!)
Get the recipe: sweet potato tots
Tofu
Tofu can be tough (literally) if you don't cook it properly. You'll need to press out some of the extra moisture before putting it in the air fryer, but the end result is chewy cubes of tofu with just the right amount of crunch.
Get the recipe: tofu
Crispy Fish
Fried fish typically means lots of breading and even more oil, but not this air-fried cod. Dish it up with air-fried potatoes and some lemon dill Greek yogurt dip.
Get the recipe: crispy fish
Chicken Tenders
Some nights, all you really want is a recipe to satisfy your craving for juicy chicken tenders. These tenders can be made during weekend meal prep, then simply tossed back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp back up before serving.
Get the recipe: chicken tenders
Zucchini Fries
These crispy zucchini fries would pair perfectly with chicken or fish if you don't eat them all while you're waiting for the rest of your meal to finish cooking.
Get the recipe: zucchini fries
Sweet Potato Cauliflower Patties
This mix of sweet potato and cauliflower is similar in texture and flavor to a fritter, without the need for deep frying. Plus, these tasty patties are made with only whole foods and are Paleo and vegan.
Get the recipe: sweet potato cauliflower patties
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Vegetarian or not, your taste buds will be beyond pleased with this meatless stir-fry. With a variety of veggies like eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms, this dish is delicious on its own or served over rice.
Get the recipe: vegetable stir-fry
Everything Bagel Chicken Roll-Ups
Most air-fryer chicken recipes call for at least a small amount of flour for breading, but this one keeps things simple, using everything bagel seasoning instead.
Get the recipe: everything bagel chicken roll-ups
Okra
Okra might not sound like a full meal, but hear us out. Imagine this crispy fried okra atop a big, fresh salad — adding a delectable crunch to an otherwise standard meal.
Get the recipe: okra